KING'S PETER I OF CYPRUS JOURNEYS IN EUROPE IN 1362-1365 AND HIS CRUSADING PLANS

Peter I of Cyprus made a series of travels across Europe in 1362-1365 to gain support for a new crusade. This article is the first comprehensive review in the field of Polish historiography of Peter I's crusading plants and their reception at the courts he visited. The implementation of his plans depended first and foremost on enlisting the support of the Pope and the rulers of the major European countries. Peter I began his tour in Northern Italy and moved on to France, the Netherlands, England and Germany. He saw the Pope at Avignon and Emperor Charles IV in Prague. While his appeals were ringing out in Scandinavia, he hurried to Kraków to a grand meeting of monarchs and princes from Central Europe in 1364. Wherever he went, he was received with great pomp. Lavish entertainment with feasts and tournaments was organized in his honour. In spite of the warm support Peter I was able to garner from his hosts few knights actually heeded his call to arms. Nor did any of the rulers made good their promises of marching to battle.When an expeditionary force eventually set sail Peter I directed it towards Alexandria in Egypt.The city was captured and sacked, but the crusaders were in no position to consolidate their gains. Dubbed the last crusader, Peter I of Cyprus became justly famous for his bravery, religious zeal and unswerving commitment to the crusading idea.